Green Chemistry: An Overview of Principles and Applications

Mark R. Mason

Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and
Director,  School of Green Chemistry and Engineering
The University of Toledo
Thursday, November 6, 2014
11:00 am Chemical Sciences Building Room 102

Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic shift in the way government and industry view pollution prevention and the environmental consequences of chemical manufacture in the United States. Source reduction, rather than “end of the pipe” waste treatment, is now the preferred method for reducing pollution. This approach requires chemists and engineers to be increasingly aware of the environmental consequences of the chemical-related products and processes we develop. Green chemistry, “the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances,” is the foundation of this increased awareness. This presentation will provide an overview of selected green chemistry principles, green chemistry applications and metrics, chemical alternatives assessment, and future opportunities.